Since 1985, the lawyers at Shapiro & Appleton have dedicated their practice to helping people when they need it most. Our clients are usually down and out after a serious accident, struggling financially, physically, and emotionally. We take pride in advocating for the downtrodden and injured and getting the financial restitution they are owed.

One of the most effective ways to choose a top-notch attorney is by reviewing their professional accolades and awards. Independent, third-party organizations bestow these recognitions and distinctions and symbolize a level of excellence in the profession.

We are very proud of the success we have had in obtaining large settlements, arbitration awards, judgments, and jury verdicts. Our success is based mainly on our experience in courtrooms across Virginia.

Featuring breaking news stories in Virginia, North Caroling and nationwide. Our news stories about accidents, events, injuries, and lawsuits are researched and published by our team of experienced personal injury attorneys and could help you learn more about your personal injury case.

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a personal injury law firm is the feedback from prior clients. The reviews and testimonials on this page are authentic and unfiltered. We are proud to have served so many people who needed help during a difficult time.

By adapting and being familiar with not only Virginia and North Carolina Courts, but also Courts throughout the Eastern United States, our attorneys have developed a set of skills that can be incredibly useful in every sort of significant personal injury case.

The attorneys with our firm actively engage in continuing legal education seminars in the field of injury law. Our lawyers have also regularly delivered lectures to personal injury lawyers not only in Virginia but at national trial organizations.

To stay on the leading edge of personal injury law, all of the firm's attorneys are active in local, state, and national personal injury trial law organizations. We also retain the services of forensic animators, videographers, and computer specialists to produce compelling evidence that will persuade a jury to award maximum damages.

New Virginia (VA) Traffic Law May Impact Car Accident Injuries Caused by Speeding

As of July, 1, 2014 there are new traffic laws that may affect you if you are injured in a car accident. Starting on July 1, the new standard speed limit for unpaved roads in Virginia is 35 mph. Previously, the speed limit for these roads was 55 mph, though it varied by county. If you do drive on unpaved roads on a regular basis, be aware that the law doesn’t require VDOT to post speed limit signs on unpaved roads. So, if you don’t see a sign, you just have to know the speed limit is 35 mph.

High speed is a factor in many Virginia traffic accidents, including serious wrecks in and around Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake. DMV reports that in 2012, speeding drivers caused 40 percent of the 775 traffic fatalities that occurred in the Commonwealth. One reason speeding accounts for so many car accident injuries is that safety equipment is not as effective when vehicles are traveling at excessive speeds. Guardrails, seat belts, airbags, and other safety measures may not protect passengers at very high speeds.

Though insurance companies like to claim that a person couldn’t possibly have been seriously injured if there is little property damage to a vehicle, your level of injury is a question for your doctors, not for the insurance adjusters. As Virginia Beach & Norfolk car accident attorneys, we have found that with today’s technology, cars often don’t show a lot of damage, even in cases involving high-speed impacts. Don’t let the insurance companies take advantage of that fact and not pay you what you deserve for the pain and suffering you've endured with your injuries.